Mr Jake Baker

MR Jake Baker, of Edward Street, Downpatrick, who passed away in the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, on May 10, aged 86, was a retired plumber and heating engineer, who was widely admired and respected.

An Englishman by birth, he made his home in Downpatrick where he and Peggy, his wife of 68 years, raised a loving family who were to be his pride and joy.

He was born in the seaside town of Hastings, Sussex, on the south coast of England on October 14, 1929, and spent childhood was spent under the shadow of World War 2. After completing his training as a plumber, he did his National Service in the army where he was also a physical training instructor.

Jake married his beloved Peggy, a Downpatrick girl, in Portsmouth in 1949 and not long afterwards the couple moved to Downpatrick where they set up home and were to be blessed with nine children — a daughter, Margo, and eight sons, Johnny, Barry, Jeff, Pat, Clifford, Tony, Ronnie and Mark. Tony’s tragic death in a motorcycle accident 40 years ago was a bitter blow to the family.

Hard working and highly intelligent, Jake established a flourishing plumbing business which in due course would involve two of his sons. He developed a revolutionary heating system — the Baker System — which he patented and which continues to bear his name.

Jake had a flair for all things mechanical. He built his own radio-controlled model aeroplanes and boats and enjoyed tinkering with a myriad of gadgets. He was also extremely fit. A natural athlete, he could perform handstands while working from rooftops and in his spare time taught boxing and jujitsu.

He was a popular member of Quoile Yacht Club and enjoyed sailing on Strangford Lough for many years, passing on his enthusiasm to his family who continue to be active in the club.

Jovial and outgoing, Jake was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. At his funeral service in St Patrick’s Church, which was conducted by Fr John Murray PP,  his granddaughter, Jill, described him as the “heart and soul of our loving family.”

In addition to his wife and children, Jake is survived by 24 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, a brother, Barry, and the wider family circle.